Boat rack for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle rack system for carrying an object above the roof line of the vehicle for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly, and having, a front rack portion having a front carrying member on which an article can be placed, a front rack portion attachment bracket by which the front rack portion can be releasably attached to a vehicle, a rear rack portion having a rear carrying member on which an article can be placed, and a rear rack portion attachment bracket by which the rear rack portion can be releasably attached to the towing assembly of the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A boat rack assembly for vehicles, in which the rack assembly has a front rack portion and a rear rack portion, with the rear rack portion being removable and attachable when required to a trailer hitch at the rear of the vehicle. The front rack portion may also be removable if required.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trailers behind vehicles are commonly used for transporting boats, and other articles, by road. However, trailers have various disadvantages. A trailer may impede the driving of the vehicle and the parking of the vehicle. Storage of the trailer, when not in use, creates difficulties occupying living space. The trailer must be licensed in most jurisdictions and must carry various lights, including brake lights and turn signals. Trailers require maintenance to remain roadworthy and safe.

For all of these reasons, it is often desirable for a person to attempt to carry a large article such as a boat on the roof of the vehicle. However, it is found that the length of a boat is usually somewhat greater than can easily be carried on a vehicle roof. Generally, if the vehicle has a roof rack, the rack is designed only to carry one or two items of luggage. Such roof racks are generally both too short, from front to back and also too narrow from side to side to carry a boat. Proposals have been made to provide extended racks, attachable for example to the front fender of a vehicle. However these methods of attachment are either somewhat rudimentary and may even damage the vehicle, or in other cases, will be excessively complex. In the particular case of commercial vehicles such as pick-up trucks, the roof of the cab is far too short to carry a boat satisfactorily. Often, however, such commercial vehicles will have a commercial type towing attachment, attached to the frame. Such commercial towing attachments are usually in the form of a rectangular tube extending from the rear of the vehicle. A towing hook or ball can be inserted into this tube, when it is required to tow some form of boat trailer or other vehicle behind the commercial vehicle.

It is known to provide various kinds of racks for commercial vehicles for the overhead carrying of goods and tools and equipment. One particularly common form of rack is a rack for carrying ladders. However, even in these racks it is usual for the goods to be carried at an angle longitudinally, so that the forward end of the article extends above the cab of the vehicle and the rearward end of the article extends down through the open truck body. In addition, such racks are generally speaking not designed for carrying excessively wide loads, nor are they capable of adjustment to carrying articles of varying widths.

Equipment racks of this kind are usually of a permanent design so that they form an integral part of the vehicle structure and cannot readily be dismantled and put away when not required.

In view of these considerations, there is a need for the provision of a rack for carrying articles of large dimensions, such as a boat, on a rack above the roof line of a vehicle, and in which the rack is attachable to and removable from the vehicle as desired. In this way, when the vehicle is required for normal every day use either commercial or recreational use without the rack, the rack can be removed and stored. When the vehicle is required for some form of carrying purpose, whether recreational use or otherwise, then the rack can be attached to the vehicle and the article or object to be carried can then be placed on the rack above the vehicle. Preferably, the rack system will provide both forward and rear rack portions attachable to different parts of the vehicle by simple fastening means which can be secured safely to the vehicle without altering its structure and without damage to the vehicle, and which at least the rear rack portion, and preferably both front and rear rack portions, are readily releasable for carrying or storage when not required.

Many commercial vehicles have a towing attachment such as that described above. The rear rack portion can be attached to such towing attachment. This is a particularly convenient arrangement with a commercial vehicle such as a pick-up truck, which usually has a load carrying body rearward of the cab which is open, and of reduced height. In this type of vehicle, by attaching a rear rack portion to the tow hook attachment and by attaching a forward rack portion to the forward part of the truck body adjacent to the cab, a rack system can be provided for carrying an object such as a boat over the vehicle cab and well above the vehicle body, thereby leaving the vehicle body space clear for carrying a load, and without interfering with the use of the vehicle, or safe driving by the occupants of the vehicle.

Suitable tethers of a type well known in the art can be supplied with the racks so as to tether the object or boat to the racks or, if necessary, to tether the object to the vehicle itself if additional securement and stability is deemed to be required.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With a view to achieving the foregoing objectives, the invention comprises a vehicle rack system for carrying an object above the roof line of the vehicle for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly, for carrying an article above the vehicle and having, a front rack portion having a front carrying member on which an article can be placed, a front rack portion attachment bracket by which the front rack portion can be attached to a vehicle, a rear rack portion having a rear carrying member on which an article can be placed, and a rear rack portion attachment bracket by which the rear rack portion can be attached to the towing assembly of the vehicle.

The invention further provides rack system in which the towing assembly includes a generally rectangular recess, and wherein the rear rack portion attachment bracket includes a generally rectangular bar adapted to make a telescopic fit with the rectangular recess.

The invention further provides a rack system in which the rear rack portion has a generally upright bar extending upwardly from the rear rack portion attachment bracket and, wherein the rear rack portion carrying member is located at the top of the generally upright bar.

The invention further provides a rack system including telescopic adjustment bars slidably received in said rear rack and being moveable outwardly and inwardly to adjust the width of said rear rack portion carrying member.

The invention further provides a rack system including feet on said front rack portion attachment bracket said feet being adjustably moveable transversely whereby said feet may be adjusted to fit the width of a vehicle.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a typical pick-up truck, illustrating the rack system in one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partially cut away perspective of a portion of the front rack of FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partially cut away perspective of the rear rack of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

Referring first of all the FIG. 1, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which is illustrated there, is shown used in association with a typical commercial vehicle, in this case a pick-up truck. Such vehicles usually have a cab indicated generally as ©), and a rear load carrying body portion indicated as (B). The body portion (B) simply consists of an open box, having side walls (S) and usually having a folding tail gate or the like indicated as (T). As in the case of many commercial vehicles, the vehicle is equipped in this illustration with a rear towing assembly (A), and such towing assembly (A) is of the type consisting of a rectangular tube, suitably mounted to the vehicle frame by means (not shown) in a manner well known in the trailer hitch art and requiring no description.

When a trailer vehicle of any kind is to be towed then the vehicle will be provided with a tow hook or ball (not shown) a portion of which will slide into the rectangular tube of the towing assembly (A), and be secured, where it is then positioned ready for towing. All of this is well known and requires no description.

In the present case, however, such a towing ball has been removed, leaving the towing assembly (A) and rectangular tube free for the purposes of the invention as will be described below.

The embodiment of the invention as illustrated consists of a forward rack portion (10) and a rearward rack portion (12). The forward rack portion will be seen to incorporate two upright posts (14), and a front carrying member consisting of a transverse bar (16) extending between the upper ends of the two posts (14). The transverse bar (16) has end extensions (18) extending outwardly beyond the ends of beyond the junction with the posts (14), and the transverse bar (16) is of rectangular tubular construction. A fastening opening (20) is provided in each of the extensions (18) for reasons a described below.

The lower ends of the posts (14) are attached to a front rack portion attachment bracket consisting of a lower cross bar (22). The cross bar (22) is of rectangular tubular construction with fastening holes (24). The two upright posts (14) are angled somewhat inwardly towards one another, and may be braced transversely by intermediate brace struts (26).

In order to attach the front rack portion (10) to the sides of the open truck body, there are provided extendable lower adjustment bars (28). The adjustment bars (28) fit telescopically within the lower cross bar (22). The adjustment bars (28) are provided with a plurality of holes, for fastening by suitable fastening means such as pins, bolts, or the like. At the outwardly extending ends of the adjustment bars (28), there are provided generally channel shaped feet portions (30). Each of the feet (30) comprises a generally three sided channel shape in section, with the open side of the respective channels facing outwardly towards the sides of the truck body (B). On the lower side wall (32) of each of the channel shaped feet (30), there are provided securement devices in this case being bolts (34). Bolts (34) can be tightened up against the edges of the side walls of the truck body (B), thereby clamping the feet (30) to the truck body (B).

A suitable cushion of friction pad (not shown) will be incorporated between bolts (34) and the sides (S), and padding may also be provided within feet (30), so as to avoid damage to the paintwork on the sides (S).

By means of adjusting the adjustment bars (28) outwardly or inwardly, the channel shaped feet (30) can be interengaged with the upper edges of the side walls (S) of the truck body, with the ends of the adjustment bars extending over the upper edge of the side walls (S) of the truck body. In this way the channel shaped feet merely function to lock directly to the truck body, but otherwise do not carry any significant load. The load will be carried directly by the adjustment bars (28) bearing on the upper edge of the truck side walls (S) of the truck body.

In order to accommodate articles, for example such as a boat, of varying width, the upper tubular transverse bar (16) is provided with upper adjustment bars (36), similar to the lower adjustment bars (28). The upper adjustment bars (36) are telescopically received within the upper transverse bar (16) and end extensions (18). They may be fastened by suitable pins or bolts passing through the fastening openings (24), and mating openings (38) in the adjustment bars.

At each outer end of the upper adjustment bars (36), there are provided upstanding side arms (40). The side arms (40) are intended to engage the opposite sides of the article, such as a boat, so that it is securely held in position and cannot slide from side to side as the vehicle moves.

The rearward rack portion (12), comprises an upright post (42), which is joined at its lower end to rear rack portion attachment bracket (44) consisting of a more or less longitudinal post (46) which ends in a rectangular telescoping portion (48), which is adapted to fit in the trailer towing assembly (A). Suitable fastening means, such as a pin or the like, incorporated in the trailer assembly, and of a type well known in the art, will secure the telescoping portion (48) in the towing assembly (A) in well known manner.

At the upper end of the upright member (42), there is rear rack carrying member consisting of a tubular transverse support bar (50). Generally diagonal bracing bars (52) may be provided to provide additional strength and stability.

The transverse bar (50) is of hollow rectangular construction, and has fastening holes (54) therein.

At the two outer ends of the transverse bar (50), there are telescoping extendable adjustment portions (56), also of generally rectangular construction, which make a sliding fit within the transverse bar (50). The extension portions are provided with a series of fastening holes, and a pin or bolt may be passed through the transverse bar and through the appropriate one of the holes in the extensions, so as to provide for adjustable width.

At each end of the adjustment extensions (56), there are provided generally uprights arms (58), similar to the construction of the forward rack portion. By adjusting the length of the telescopic extensions, the arms can thus be brought as close as possible to the edges of the article, such as a boat, which may be supported.

Once the forward and rear rack portions are installed in position as shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that a large article such as a boat may be lifted up onto the forward and rear racks. It can be secured to the truck body or to the racks or both by suitable tethers (not shown) as are well known in the art.

When the rack portions are no longer required, it will be appreciated that the rear rack portion can readily be removed simply by releasing the telescopic portion from the trailer towing assembly. The forward rack portion may also be removed, if necessary, simply by releasing the fastenings on the channel shaped feet (30), and releasing one (or both) of the adjustment bars (28) in the lower transverse bar (22). In this way the width between the two feet can be reduced, thereby releasing them from edges of the truck body, and the forward rack portion (10) can then be simply removed.

After they have been removed the forward and rack rear portions can be stored in a relatively compact position in a garage or other storage facility.

It will thus be seen that the invention provides the facility for readily attaching forward and rear rack portions to a vehicle, for carrying a large object such a boat, and that the forward and rear rack portions can readily be removed.

It will be apparent that the rear rack portion can be applied to any vehicle having a suitable mating towing assembly. Minor modifications in the forward rack portion, may make it for example attachable to a vehicle roof rack or the like, by simply making the two upright posts (14) somewhat shorter.

If desired the rear rack portion may be made adjustable vertically. This is not essential but is illustrated as the joint and pin (60), in FIG. 3.

These modifications are self evident and are therefor not illustrated or described in any detail.

The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly, for carrying an article above the vehicle and comprising; a front rack portion having a front carrying member on which an article can be placed; a front rack portion attachment bracket by which said front rack portion can be attached to a vehicle; a rear rack portion having a rear carrying member on which an article can be placed, and, a rear rack portion attachment bracket by which said rear rack portion can be attached to said towing assembly of said vehicle.
 2. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rear towing assembly includes a generally rectangular recess, and wherein said rear rack portion attachment bracket includes a generally rectangular bar adapted to make a telescopic fit with said rectangular recess.
 3. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said rear rack portion further includes a generally upright bar extending upwardly from said rear rack portion attachment bracket, and wherein said rear rack portion carrying member is located at the top of said generally upright bar.
 4. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 3 and wherein said rear rack portion further includes a transverse support bar at the top of said generally upright bar.
 5. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 4 and further including telescopic adjustment bars slidably received in said transverse bar and being moveable outwardly and inwardly to adjust the width of said rear rack portion carrying member.
 6. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 5 and further including generally upright arms at the free ends of said telescopic adjustment bars, for engaging the sides of an article supported thereon.
 7. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 1 including feet on said front rack portion attachment bracket said feet being adjustably moveable transversely whereby said feet may be adjusted to fit the width of a vehicle.
 8. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 7 including telescopic adjustment bars forming parts of said front rack portion attachment bracket and being slidable outwardly an inwardly to fit the width of said vehicle and releasable clamps on said feet whereby said feet may be releasably secured to said vehicle.
 9. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 8 and wherein said front rack portion further includes a transverse support bar and generally upright posts extending down from said transverse support bar.
 10. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 9 and further including telescopic adjustment bars slidably received in said transverse bar and being moveable outwardly and inwardly to adjust the width of said front rack portion carrying member.
 11. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 10 and further including generally upright arms at the free ends of said telescopic adjustment bars, for engaging the sides of an article supported thereon.
 12. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein said front rack portion attachment bracket is secured to said posts beneath said transverse support bar.
 13. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein said feet are of channel shape in section defining a lower side wall and an open side, and oriented with said open side directed outwardly, and including fastenings located in said lower side for clamping to said vehicle.
 14. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 83 wherein said adjustment bars extend over said feet and are adapted to overlie portions of said vehicle for transferring the load directly to said vehicle
 15. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly wherein said rear towing assembly includes a generally rectangular recess, and comprising; a front rack portion having a front carrying member on which an article can be placed; a front rack portion attachment bracket by which said front rack portion can be attached to a vehicle; a rear rack portion having a rear carrying member on which an article can be placed, and, a rear rack portion attachment bracket by which said rear rack portion can be attached to said towing assembly of said vehicle, and wherein said rear rack portion attachment bracket includes a generally rectangular bar adapted to make a telescopic fit with said rectangular recess in said towing assembly.
 16. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein said rear rack portion further includes a generally upright bar extending upwardly from said rear rack portion attachment bracket, and wherein said rear rack portion carrying member is located at the top of said generally upright bar.
 17. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 16 and wherein said rear rack portion further includes a transverse support bar at the top of said generally upright bar and telescopic adjustment bars slidably received in said transverse bar and being moveable outwardly and inwardly to adjust the width of said rear rack portion carrying member.
 18. A rack system for a vehicle having a rear towing assembly as claimed in claim 17 including telescopic adjustment bars forming parts of said front rack portion attachment bracket and being slidable outwardly an inwardly to fit the width of said vehicle and feet on said adjustment bars of said front rack portion attachment bracket said feet being adjustably moveable transversely whereby said feet may be adjusted to fit the width of a vehicle; and releasable clamps on said feet whereby said feet may be releasably secured to said vehicle. 